Wichita eagle., 1887-11-03
FAIR Gre UNDS SELECTED.
MIR. N. A. English Leases Seventy
Five Acres for Fair Grounds.
! The Horse Fair Association Develops
Into the Inter State Fair Associa-
ton with Capital Stock
100000.


Southwestern Horse Fair Associations meet
ing the.-question OF organizing a company
for general fair was set in agitation. 1t
did not seem to be doubted by any one that
such a company should be organized and one
of the best fairs ever held in the state held
to do the work was the next thing to take
into consideration. In the former efforts for
such an enterprise the question Of site always
proved to be the ungetoverable one. This
was the first feature tackled by the gentle
men interested in the horse fair association.
The Fmany points formerly considerd for
grounds were visited and their situation
thoroughly discussed. An additional one
was introduced for consideration, it being the
base ball grounds and several acres adJoin-
Ing belonging to Mr.. n. A. English.
Looking over that location 1t was
found that seventY-five acres could be secur-
ed taking in the fair grounds which was
very desirable for the association. MIR.
English would not sell it, but after consider
ing the matter for some days, in fact weeks,
agreed yesterday morning to give lease to
the association lasting ten years. The lease
was drawn and signed, and now the associa
ton. has grounds for fair.
The association will hold meeting today
and steps will be taken for changing the
original charter and company. The new
company will be styled the Wichita Inter
State Fair Association, and organized with
capital stock Of. 100000. The tshares will
probably be placed at s1C0 each, and an
effort made to interest the leading business
men of the city and county at large in the
as ISOLATION. 1t is intended that the enter
prise shall be in keeping with the great coun-
ty OF Eedgwick, the southwest and the state
Of Kansas.
e Concerning the location and enterprise
Messrs. G.. II. Blackwelder, j. F. Mcmillan,
Frank Dale, Arthur Allen, William Grieffen-
stein and b. L. Taylor were heard speak In
favorable terms. The location seemed to
be all that could be desired. Just two miles
from the corner Of Main street and Douglas
avenue; with two street car lines completed
10 the. grounds, near the river, and the
grounds presenting an inviting appearance
for just such an enterprise. Everything it
was adjudged pointed to 1t as favorable
location.
The question of site being settled it is con-
sidered comparatively easy sailing the rest of
pany will be commenced imme
diately with the capital stock as given
Considerable time will probably be occupied
in that feature as it is desired to have as
large section Of country represented as
possible. MIR. English has offered to take a
large amount of stock, showing his faith in
the enterprise. A number of others have
also expressed themselves as quite willing to
take stock.
The improvements made on the ball ground
amount to 5000. These are included in the
lease and can be used by the new company to
good advantage. The amphitheatre Is one
of the best in the state for base ball or fair
grounds and seats near 10000 people. 1t
will be used by the new company. The
fencing of course in most places will have to
be removed, but it can be used and serve the
purpose quite as well as if it was all new
fence.
In addition to the present improvements.
those who have so far taken
the matter in charge, think that
from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars
should lie expended for buildings and neces-
sary accommodations. This, it is thought,
will be a good beginning, and some OF the
money Of the season can be used for further
improvements provided it is decided expe-
dent.
The grounds secured will give the associa-
ton room for mile race track 1t will be
an almost complete circle. The ampitheatre
will be northwest Of the circle, from which
good view of the entire track can be gained.
The space for exhibits will probably be north
east of the grand stand.
1t Ia expected that improvements will
commence just as coon as the company can
be organized. Among the first things
that will be done will be to make the
race course. 1t win, in all
probability be given over to the fine turnouts
of the city, where they can have a contest
without the sharp curves.
1t is the intention to make the fair COM
plete in every department. Men will be
given the management of each department
who are thoroughly versed In that line and
who will make an effort to place their depart
ment in the lead. Prizes will probably be
given townships in this county, and county
prizes also awarded
EQuite a large number of the business men
Of the city were heard speak of the prospect
for fair next year and all were well pleased
with the beginning. Some stated that the
location was well known, being introduced
to the public by the base ball games, and it
Is SO happily located. One stated that Of al
the locations formerly considered, ebelieved
the one selected to be the best.